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Hello Everyone,
First things first. You may notice some new improvements to the Senior Surf newsletter. Thanks to the generous donations of our readers, we have made some changes that I think you will like including: more images, better layout, cleaner design, an archive list and hopefully less typosq#@.
Thanks to all who donated!
With the holidays coming up, what better way to celebrate fervent religious ideals by spending lots and lots on your loved ones. The spirit of giving is in the air!
Now, we here at Senior Surf are sensitive to the economic woes plaguing our world and want the holidays to be as bountiful for you as possible. Therefore, this issue will discuss shopping online: The security of shopping online, how to save $$$, some good websites to explore, how to conducts product reviews and more.
(My address is attached at the bottom for those who want to show off how well they can shop online - *wink*).
Happy Happy,
Dave
Shopping Safely Online
How do you tell if the Internet connections are secure?The ecommerce industry has developed technology that can scramble (or “encrypt”) sensitive information, such as your credit card number, so that it can be read only by the merchant you are dealing with and your credit card issuer. This ensures that your payment information cannot be read by anyone else or changed along the way. How can we tell if it is secure and safe? There are several ways to determine if you have that protection when you are sending payment information on the web:
- Look for the picture of the unbroken key or closed lock in your browser window. Either one of these icons indicates that the security is operative. A broken key or any open lock indicates it is not. Usually in the upper right or lower right. May vary depending on your browser.
- Look to see if the web address on the page that asks for your credit card information begins with "https:" instead of "http."
- Some web sites use the words "Secure Sockets Layer (SSL)" or a pop up box that says you are entering a secure area.
Would you rather give your credit card information over the phone?
Many web merchants allow you to order online and give your credit card information over the phone. If you do this, make a note of the phone number, company, the date and time of your call, and the name of the person who recorded your credit card number.
Who wants to know your password or other identifying information?
Be very careful about responding to an e-mail, phone call, fax, or letter from anyone who asks for your password(s), social security number, birth date, bank account, credit card number, mother's maiden name, or other personal information. Sellers and financial institutions do not ask you for such information unless you are entering into a transaction with them.
Identity thieves make up emails that look remarkably like real websites. If you receive an inquiry for personal information, do not reply directly. To verify that the person contacting you really does work for the seller, call and request to speak to that person directly You should only have to provide your password to get to your online account, and you should not give your credit card number except when you are actually placing an order. And you should only give your password and credit card number in a secure connection on a web site, not in ordinary e-mail.
Best Online Shopping Websites
You may be asking yourself the eternal question: "Why shop online?!" Let me count the wwways. Because you're an educated consumer, sometimes lazy who hates looking for parking, driving, spending gas
money, wants to find the best selection, the best prices and save wads of cash. Period. And you (now) trust the system to not steal your information and the soul of your Visa card. This article will discuss what websites to check out to be the best you can be this holiday season now and into the future for all things consumer-ish.Comparison Shopping Websites
Imagine you had an assistant for whenever you wanted to buy something. And you told that assistant: "Assistant, go to every store in the land and find me all things available, the price, what models and deliver it to me in say...10 seconds or less. And I also want you to find me the BEST prices." Introducing comparison shopping that does all this and more for you in just a few clicks. Here are some great sites to check out*. Search by category or by search word. (Click to view)
- MySimon
- Nextag
- Bizrate
- Pricegrabber
- Dealtime
- Amazon (although not a comparison site per se, still my favorite place to shop online)
And for a great article that talks about these sites and more (including COUPON sites), check out: http://www.ebizmba.com/articles/shopping-websites
Another great thing about shopping online is that many times, shipping is FREE and there is no TAX. Vudda Country!
P.S. One shopping tip for those who like the "hands on" approach to shopping is to go to the store first, try out the product you like...THEN go online and find it for cheaper (and with no tax/shipping). Schmaat, eh?
Product Review Websites
Sometimes you want to know before you buy. Buyer Beware no more. These websites* deliver reviews, opinions and experiences from users like you and me and also professionals who are paid to test a product and write about it (independently). There are usually enough to "average" out the best and worst and make a decision from there. Note: the websites in the previous article, in addition to showing you the best prices, also offers reviews on products.
*Of course, these lists are not exhaustive. Do your own research (Google) and find out what works best for you. The key here is to know that these services do indeed exist and primarily benefit the buyer.
So why not dive right in and spend, spend, spend! (Remember, my address is written below) :-)
Next Month...
In the next issue, I will be continuing with this theme of online shopping, but shifting to other topics. If you have a favorite website, process or experience you want to share, email me and we'll see about putting it in the next newsletter.
Happy Holidays, everyone.
Patient. Reliable. Knowledgeable.
(415) 509-3725 | dave@senior-surf.org
